Deyika unexpectedly died on Sunday evening 1st January 2017

3 January 2017

Our thoughts are with his family and all friends in the community which he helped so much. Yesterday a vigil in Hulme took place with family and friends and many praises for Deyika and the wonderful man he was. There are many wonderful messages on social media and in the press. Every kind word about Deyika is deserved. He was a rare, thoughtful and compassionate man and politician.

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said: “I was absolutely devastated to hear this tragic and shocking news. My thoughts and those of the whole party go out to Deyika’s family rightnow. Like many in the party I felt privileged to know him, and was thrilled to be asked to be there at the recent launch of his mayoral campaign. He was someone who was so full of life andanyone who met him could not fail to be touched by his gentle genuineness. He will be greatly missed.”

Amelia Womack, deputy leader of the Green Party, said: “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of Deyika Nzeribe. Deyika was one of those wonderful people who’s passion for life andpassion for change was contagious. He inspired, he worked tirelessly and truly cared about his community and the need for change in our world.My condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad and shocking time.”

Natalie Bennett, former leader of the Green Party, said: “It was my privilege to work closely with Deyika in my time as leader. He was a man of enormous energy, passion and creativity, caringdeeply for his home community of Hulme and broader communities across Manchester. He dedicated his life to working for these communities, and particularly to helping those at mostdisadvantage within them, whilst experiencing first-hand the challenges of trying to survive in the precarious casual economy. Deyika’s death is a huge loss for the Green Party, but also for the cityof Manchester. My thoughts are with his family, friends and Manchester Green Party for their loss.”